'So soft to lie back on!' The 12 best linen sofas feel as good as they look

We've found the 12 best linen sofas that wear well and feel even better, the couches that are just made for relaxed and elegant spaces

two beige linen sofas
(Image credit: Jonathan Adler, CB2)

Made from flax, linen is a natural fiber that softens over time, the more it is used and washed. On upholstery, linen offers a relaxed style, so linen sofas are loved for the casual look the fabric gives them. 

Some linen sofas have slip covers that can be removed and washed, so they are popular with families with young children and pets.

Those who prefer a smarter look on their seating may prefer 'linen weave' or 'performance linen'. These are synthetic fabrics– usually polyester, sometimes with a small percentage of linen, woven to look like linen but without the slightly crumpled effect that natural 100% linen has. They are often treated to resists spills and stains too.

We've rounded up the best couches with both 100% linen and 'linen weave' upholstery for a mix of casual, classic and contemporary styles, from across the best home decor stores. So it's easy to find a look that suits your space.

1. Best linear linen sofas

2. Best traditional-style linen sofas

3. Best slip cover linen sofas

4. Best statement linen sofas

Is linen good on a sofa?

Linen is a great fabric for a sofa, as it has a soft, supple texture; it's robust and improves with age. Linen slip covers can also be removed and washed. 

Performance linen or linen weave fabrics are synthetic, made to look like linen. They tend not to crumple in the way natural linen does, so have a smarter appearance.  

'As a sofa upholstery, linen is typically woven with another fabric, like polyester or viscose,' says Madison Adam, Interior Design Service Manager at Article. 

'You’ll find it is breathable and cool which is a plus if you live in a warmer climate. Linen blend upholstered sofas are also a great choice if coastal design appeals to you. Coastal design typically focuses on colors you’d find at the beach — creams, white, ivory, and blues. Though, linen blend upholstered sofas do come in a variety of others colors too.' 

Jacky Parker is a London-based freelance journalist and content creator, specialising in interiors, travel and food. From buying guides and real home case studies to shopping and news pages, she produces a wide range of features for national magazines and SEO content for websites


A long-time contributor to Livingetc, as a member of the team, she regularly reports on the latest trends, speaking to experts and discovering the latest tips. Jacky has also written  for other publications such as Homes and Gardens, Ideal Home, Red, Grand Designs, Sunday Times Style and AD, Country Homes and Interiors and ELLE Decoration.